Choosing the right type of lighting can go a long way toward completing the total "look" of a home decor theme. Sometimes in our rush to make the best lighting choices, we automatically look to the latest and the greatest without ever giving proper consideration to styles that have already been working well and looking great for years. Swag lamps are a wonderful example of this phenomena.

Three Bulb Chandelier in Black Onyx

There is no limit to the designs in swag lamps today.  This example from a company called Tadpoles is a small, yet elegant mini chandelier.  It works well in almost any room, but could really shine in the dining room if you enjoy sharing meals in a restaurant like setting.  Some people will attach these to a dimmer switch so that the light can be made brighter when desired.  We actually had something similar in our dining room when I was growing up and I remember that the difference in ambiance was dramatic depending on how we set the dimmer.

Looking for a bargain? Check this lamp out (click the image above).

Just to show something completely different, this ten inch shoji style swag lamp is another popular lighting option to consider.  It is a very nice accent light that comes in a variety of finishes.  The Scandinavian spruce and reinforced rice paper design give the room a simple Asian feel.  As I mentioned, you can find almost any type of design you could possibly want in a swag style.  I just showed these two examples because they are popular (and well rated), they are relatively inexpensive, and they show examples of very different styles.  You can find many different swag lamp styles quite easily if you are interested in buying one for your home.

People sometimes fall in to the trap of thinking that these lighting fixtures can only used for retro or vintage designs. This simply is not true. One of the signs of a truly gifted decorator is being able to bring classic styles up to date and give them a new life. Overall, interior lighting is often seriously neglected when it comes time to think about interior design themes in the home. We often think about our color schemes, the furniture and even wall accessories before we take lighting options into account. Without proper lighting however, all of the other design work can be lost to the darkness.

One of the first visual images that comes to mind when mention is made of swag lamps is the retro style swag with a drum style shade. If that isn't your first image, then perhaps it is the image of the old style glass lamp shades hanging over a pool table that crosses your mind.   While there are still many ways to incorporate vintage style swags into your home decor, you should also explore the newer swag designs.   You might be surprised to find that you can include swag lighting in a home that has a totally modern decor.

If you are looking for swag lighting for a contemporary or traditional style home, you could include the familiar drum style lamp and accessorize the room with decorative items to enhance the decorating style you wish to achieve.   Another option of lighting would be the slightly different type of shade in a tapered design.   Swags with wicker shades are an excellent option for a cottage style room.   They also enhance the relaxing atmosphere of a sun room or indoor patio area.

Tiffany style swags are great additions to a dining area or living area.   You can find vintage lamps or very attractive reproductions.   If you have a game room or family room you can add a spark of fun to the room with swag lighting that includes a sports or team logo.   This type of lighting could also be incorporated into a teenager's room.   It's a decorative way for them to demonstrate their support and passion for a particular team or sport.

A retro or eclectic decor leaves the decorating field wide open for the inclusion of swag lighting.   You have options such as the retro bubble shaped hanging light with various colors of crackled glass.   A colorful ceramic shade is a perfect accompaniment to an eclectic style room.   Choosing retro design lampshades for a drum lamp will enable it to blend with your decor. There are many swag lamps that plug in, so installation is not a major hurdle anymore. Take a look and you might be surprised at how man wonderful designs are around.

White Swag Style Plug-In Chandelier	Simple Inexpensive Ceiling Lighting Fixture Lamp - 16" Maru Japanese Swag Electric Bamboo & Paper Lantern	Tiffany Glass Swag Plug-In Style Chandelier
Swag Lamp Ceiling Hung Lighting - 17" Kirosawa Japanese Classic Design Hanging Lantern	Royce Lighting RP65050-071 One-Light Pendant, 16-Inch Diameter, Antique Bronze with Satin Etched Glass	Hand Painted Floral Plug-in Style Swag Pendant Light